The VA will require repayment of any funds you received for attendance if dropping a class changes your enrollment status unless you have mitigating circumstances.

If you feel you have a valid reason for dropping a class or withdrawing from all classes, you can write to the VA and ask that you be allowed to maintain your prevailing rate of pay.

Mitigating circumstances include the following:

Personal illness or injury

Death, illness or serious injury of a family member

Relocation due to employment

Work-schedule conflict

Hardships

The VA will require in-depth statements and supporting documents before approving payment if you claim a mitigating circumstance for dropping a class or withdrawing. If you have other
reasons for dropping or withdrawing, you may also provide those in writing to the VA.

Punitive Grades

You may be assigned a punitive grade if you drop a course, withdraw from all courses, or are dropped by an instructor after the last date to withdraw.

This grade will be figured into your grade point average as an “F” and the VA will only allow payment at the prevailing rate up to the last date of your attendance as reported by the instructor.
After that date, the VA will begin a new rate of pay if applicable.

You should make every effort to avoid dropping a course, whether you receive a non-punitive or punitive grade. For additional information regarding punitive and non-punitive grades please contact
the VA at 1-888-GIBILL1.